So January marked the beginning of my "12 New Things Before 2012". Last Monday I started a small group at church. Specifically, this group is called "Starting Point" and is designed for those new to the church, new to faith, or just looking for answers to the tough questions about God that many avoid. There is a small book that we are working through and I'm now two sessions in.
The first week was mostly introductions and expectations for the group. As I walked in, 5 minutes late I might add, I was welcomed by the leader, got my name tag, paid my $20 and settled in. This was the most uncomfortable I've been in quite a while. Why? I have no idea but I was clearly out of my comfort zone. But then, that's the point of all this I suppose. I made it through unharmed, drove home in the freezing rain, and enjoyed a snow day off from work the next day! Mostly uneventful.
Sunday evening, as I'm preparing for day two by reading my chapter in the book and verses in The Bible, it occurred to me that I've never really read The Bible. Sure I've looked verses up before. I did that a lot when I went to Cornerstone University for my Master's Degree, but I've never really read it to learn from it. I read the story of David and Goliath and the topic of Monday night's class, which I was admittedly 5 minutes late for again, focused on proving the existence of God. The conclusion? You can't prove God exists just as you can't prove He doesn't. It all comes down to faith. I frequently tell my rebellious middle school students who like to challenge everything that just because you don't believe in something, doesn't mean it's not true. I just kept thinking that in class tonight. God is there whether you believe it or not.
It's deep, I know.
Those who know me best would probably agree that I tend to be opinionated and rather outspoken about those opinions. I like to challenge people's ideas and debate sometimes just for the sake of argument. I also have a hard time letting things go when I'm passionate about something. This class should be right up my alley. So why then, did I sit there for two hours and say nothing? I thought a lot of things, had great things to add to the discussion, and plenty of questions to ask. And yet, I remained silent.
This has gotten much too serious (and long) for my taste. I love to learn and I'm looking forward to the next 10 weeks of this class. Maybe, just maybe, I'll speak up before it's over.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A new beginning
Albert Einstein once said: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
I have an amazing life. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family, close friends, a job I love, a house, and so many other things. Lately, I've found myself in a bit of a funk, for lack of a better word. Feeling 30 creep up on me has had me reevaluating some things and I've decided it's time for a change.
Being a full grown adult now, I've discovered that it is easy to get set into a routine, doing the same thing over and over, seeing the same people all the time. This is ok for a while, but I get bored easily. Recently, my last couple single friends got married and many are now becoming parents. I find myself watching everyone else's lives move forward, while mine stands still.
The goal here is not to give myself a pity party, fish for sympathy, or make my friends and family feel bad for moving on. Afterall, I love being a part of their lives and have no intention of separating myself from them. I've decided to take a little control back in my life and make some changes. My New Year's Resolution is to do 1 new thing, something I've never done before, each month of the year. In doing that, not only do I hope to have a lot of fun, I plan to learn some new things, mix up my routine, and meet new people. This blog will be a journal of my adventures. I imagine some will be uplifting, some sad, and many quite entertaining.
Last year, I found a church that I've come to actually enjoy attending- a very strange concept for me. So my January new thing will be to join a small group. Tomorrow is the start of a small group called "Starting Point" for people new to the church or to faith. Time to step outside my comfort zone and start living life again!
I have an amazing life. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family, close friends, a job I love, a house, and so many other things. Lately, I've found myself in a bit of a funk, for lack of a better word. Feeling 30 creep up on me has had me reevaluating some things and I've decided it's time for a change.
Being a full grown adult now, I've discovered that it is easy to get set into a routine, doing the same thing over and over, seeing the same people all the time. This is ok for a while, but I get bored easily. Recently, my last couple single friends got married and many are now becoming parents. I find myself watching everyone else's lives move forward, while mine stands still.
The goal here is not to give myself a pity party, fish for sympathy, or make my friends and family feel bad for moving on. Afterall, I love being a part of their lives and have no intention of separating myself from them. I've decided to take a little control back in my life and make some changes. My New Year's Resolution is to do 1 new thing, something I've never done before, each month of the year. In doing that, not only do I hope to have a lot of fun, I plan to learn some new things, mix up my routine, and meet new people. This blog will be a journal of my adventures. I imagine some will be uplifting, some sad, and many quite entertaining.
Last year, I found a church that I've come to actually enjoy attending- a very strange concept for me. So my January new thing will be to join a small group. Tomorrow is the start of a small group called "Starting Point" for people new to the church or to faith. Time to step outside my comfort zone and start living life again!
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